World’s top TikToker Khaby Lame detained in US over visa violation

US immigration agents detained and later permitted the "voluntary departure" of Khaby Lame, the world's most-followed TikToker, after he allegedly "overstayed" his visa, authorities said on Saturday.

"US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, June 6, at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada for immigration violations," AFP reported, quoting the agency.

According to the statement regarding the Friday detention, Lame had entered the United States on April 30 and "overstayed the terms of his visa." He was released the same day and "has since departed the US."

As of Saturday afternoon, Lame had not publicly commented on the incident.

The Italian national, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador with more than 162 million followers on TikTok, holds the top spot on the hugely popular platform. He rose to global fame through his silent, humorous videos that mock unnecessarily complicated life hacks and online tutorials.

Each video is typically capped off with his signature gesture, palms turned upward, paired with a knowing smile and wide-eyed expression, as he presents a simpler solution.

The inspiration for his content came during walks around the housing project where his family lived in Chivasso, near Turin, after he lost his factory job in March 2020.

From there, his online presence skyrocketed, earning him an estimated $16.5 million through marketing partnerships between June 2022 and September 2023, according to Forbes.

Since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has advanced key campaign promises to tighten immigration policy and ramp up deportations, though some aspects have faced legal challenges in US courts.